California's capital city promises sun-splashed fun for families and their four-legged friends. From history and culture along the Old Sacramento waterfront, to expansive parks with room to run, to farm-to-table restaurants that welcome pups on their patios, you'll find engaging options all year round.
This is also the gateway to Gold Country, Tahoe, Yosemite and beyond, so it’s a convenient home base for outdoor adventures. DogTrekker.com recently named Sacramento best in show for dog-friendliness. Check out their stories and start planning your getaway with these five dog-friendly Sacramento activities.
1. Great places to sit, stay and play
Sacramento’s lodging properties include both major brands and boutique gems. You’ll find amenities galore and alternatives for any budget, whether you book a quiet escape or something in the heart of the action. Several Sacramento hotels roll out the welcome mat for dogs, dishing up welcome treats, pet beds and more. For example, the Hyatt Regency is adjacent to the 40-acre Capitol Park, while the Westin Sacramento sits along the city’s riverfront recreation trail. Learn more.
2. Farm-to-fork dining with four-legged friends
Sacramento chefs build menus around fresh produce from the nearby Central Valley, and that's helped the city earn its reputation as "America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital." Annual food festivals celebrate hyper-local ingredients, along with crawfish, fried chicken and more. Look for major culinary districts in Oldtown Sacramento and along J Street and R Street. Many restaurants capitalize on the region’s mild climate with open-air patios that accommodate furry family members. Some also serve dishes made just for dogs. Learn more.
3. Say cheers to pup-friendly tasting rooms
Sacramento’s culinary stars include creative chefs as well as innovative winemakers, brewers and distillers. Revolution Winery & Kitchen pairs reds and whites with fresh fare, and the patio is a favorite of guests with dogs. Track 7 Brewing's dog-friendly Curtis Park location was so popular that the team opened a second tap room in Natomas, near the Sacramento Kings' arena. The Barn, by California mainstay Drake's Brewing, welcomes leashed pups at its two-acre West Sacramento campus. Learn more.
4. Splashy fun and trails to explore
With nearly a dozen fenced dog parks, miles of multiuse trails, and annual events like the Sacramento SPCA’s Doggy Dash fundraiser, Sacramento offers outdoor excitement for all. Sutter’s Landing Dog Park is closest to downtown, which is also home to the gardens and paths of Capitol Park. For extended adventures, explore 32 miles of trails between Old Sacramento and historic Folsom on the American River Parkway. Wherever you roam, remember to Leave Only Paw Prints®. Learn more.
5. Off-leash activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
For best-in-show access to hiking trails, water sports, cycling routes and mountain scenery, there’s no place like Sacramento. This city is within hours of some of California’s most storied destinations, including Gold Country, the High Sierra, Yosemite, Placer County’s public lands, and the Sacramento River Delta. Dogs can swim at select places in Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, a top spot for boating, camping, picnicking and paddling, and that’s just the beginning. Learn more.
